Explore Fez and its surroundings: 4-day itinerary
Connected by Air Arabia to Montpellier airport, the city of Fez is ideal to discover the imperial cities and archaeological sites of Morocco.
Day 1 – a journey through time in Fez
Fez, the oldest medina in Morocco, is an enchanting labyrinth that hides sumptuous treasures.
Just 15 kilometers from the airport, the medina transports you back in time. Built in the 9th century and listed as a Unesco World Heritage site, it is a museum under the open sky with its thousand palaces, riads turned into guesthouses, intricately carved mosques, and libraries. The city is alive with activity; young Fassis (the locals) pull carts full of fruit, elderly people sit on benches in orange-scented squares, and merchants call out to passersby. Fez is also known for its artisans—blacksmiths, potters, and ceramists—numbering over 30,000. You can wander on your own or follow a guide for a small fee to explore the souks.
What to do in Fez
Tanneries souk: all paths in the medina lead to the tanneries souk. Here, skins are tanned in colorful pools as they have been for a thousand years. The smell can be overpowering, so keep a sprig of mint handy.
Day 2 – culinary delights and scenic escapes from Fez to Ifrane
From culinary workshops to hikes under cedar trees, Morocco offers sensory experiences.
Culinary experience: Moroccan cuisine is world-renowned, and Fez is one of its main centers. From couscous and pastilla to tajine and gazelle horns, the culinary temptations are numerous. Take a cooking class at Palais Amani, starting with a market tour to select the best ingredients, followed by a hands-on workshop and a meal in the palace’s gardens.
Ifrane: A 65-kilometer drive from Fez takes you to Ifrane, nestled in the Middle Atlas Mountains at 1650 meters. Known for its Swiss-like chalets and lush landscapes, it's perfect for a refreshing hike in the cedar forests.
Day 3 – Exploring Meknes
Meknes, with its grand structures, owes its prestige to Moulay Ismail, a contemporary of Louis XIV.
Historic Meknes: Located 70 kilometers from Fez, Meknes can be reached in about 30 minutes by train. The city, also a Unesco World Heritage site, was made famous by Moulay Ismail, who made it his capital and spent 55 years building palaces and gardens. Admire the massive city walls, monumental gates, and explore the medina, where you'll find the Grand Mosque and the Meknes Museum of Arts and Traditions. Visit the imperial city, the Al-Mansour Palace, the mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, the Agdal basin, and the granaries of Hri Souani, capable of withstanding a long siege. Don’t miss the stables that once housed 12,000 horses.
Day 4 – Back to roman times
The archaeological site of Volubilis offers a glimpse into Roman history.
Volubilis: Visit the ancient city of Volubilis, located 30 kilometers north of Meknes, and classified as a Unesco World Heritage site. Built on a hill in a fertile plain, it’s a fascinating stop for archaeology enthusiasts. Explore the ruins of Roman monuments, including the forum, the Triumphal Arch, and well-preserved villas with intricate mosaics. The House of Orpheus and the House of the Labors of Hercules are highlights, as well as the House of Venus with its rich mosaics and bronze busts. Some artifacts are displayed in the modern museum on-site for a deeper understanding of Volubilis’s splendor.
Moulay-Idriss: Nearby, visit the charming town of Moulay-Idriss, where locals come to pay respects at the mausoleum of Moulay Idriss, the founder of the Idrisid dynasty and a significant figure in Moroccan history.
Book your flight to Fez : Air Arabia connects Montpellier to Fez year-round, with up to 6 flights per week during peak summer, offering flexibility for short or extended stays.